The Barley RoomThe Barley Room is a watering hole in the far Northeast Heights that fills patrons up with live music, lots of libations and a surprisingly ample menu. Snack on bar-friendly fried things (say yes to the sweet potato fries!), or have a proper meal with burgers, salads, pasta, New Mexican dishes and a few grilled meat and fish entrées. There’s a palpable sports bar feel to the place, but a diverse clientele keeps this bar/grill comfortable for just about everyone. The kitchen stays open until midnight every night; go ahead and linger. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Farside Brew PubWhere else in town can you get braggot? Bad Ass specializes in big brews, and even its lighter offerings are pretty intense. Pretty much anything you get here is for slow sipping. Pints are $4, and the congenial bartenders will be happy to pour you 5-ounce samples (a buck apiece) that might include a Zombie IPA, a Belgian, a chocolate beer, an oatmeal stout, a coffee beer and a Scottish ale. They also offer sub sandwiches for the hungry tippler! (Alibi Staff, May 20, 2011)

Gecko’s Bar and TapasGecko’s has expanded with a popular Northeast Heights location—housed in a building that looks like a jukebox, for some reason. Even though it’s clear across town, you’ll still probably bump into folks you know as you’re sipping a wicked Bloody Mary and enjoying tidbits from the affordably priced tapas menu. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Il VicinoIl Vicino’s thin-crusted, gourmet-topped pizzas are perennial favorites among Alibi readers, but the big salads are equally popular. Order at the register and a server brings the food to your table, making weekday lunches speedy. The open kitchen gives you something to stare at while you wait. Stop in for a quick lunch or a late afternoon microbrew at one of the patio tables. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Jinja Bar & BistroThis Asian-American eatery has a reputation for retro Pacific Rim decor and the clink of drinks with little umbrellas in them. If you're in the mood for East-meets-West fare like lettuce wraps, quaking beef or Tokyo crispy tofu, then load up the Prius and take a drive down Paseo del Norte. You’ll also find a large selection of fine loose teas and more liquor than you can shake a limbo stick at. Have a yen for wine? Here it comes in white, red and plum. (Alibi Staff, October 10, 2012)

Mykonos Café & TavernaThis is Greek food that’s elegant, straightforward and absolutely delicious. White tile and recessed blue light create an island oasis that’s suggested rather than spelled out (no 8-foot murals here), and the service is friendly and attentive. The lentil soup is seasoned with just a whisper of aged balsamic vinegar, perfect with a toasty triangle of imported pita bread and a light Greek salad. Stop in for a snifter of ouzo and live jazz music on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Pelican’s RestaurantRough-hewn wood planks lead you into this nautically themed steak and seafood restaurant, which doesn’t start seating for dinner until 5pm. Luckily, happy hour begins at 4pm. Have a “Lady Godiva” hot cocktail and a baker's dozen of “topless” oysters in the bar while you wait. Then dive into creamy clam chowder, 10-ounce, butter-sweet Australian lobster tail and Ranchero center-cut top sirloin. There's plenty of key lime pie in the icebox and Phil Collins on the speakers.

Trombino's Bistro ItalianoTrombino's Bistro Italiano has been an institution of family-style Italian dining in the Heights for almost 30 years. It houses an impressively fat menu that includes a full bar, espresso drinks and an ample wine list. The service is quicker than a Hollywood marriage, and the waitstaff seems particularly knowledgeable about the food and wines. Gravitate to the more rustic Italian fare—lemon-basil chicken salad, grilled homemade Italian sausage or meatballs, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and manicotti are amply portioned and tasty. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)